GOD'S HELP

DEUTERONOMY 32:36 (CEB)
But the LORD will acquit his people,
will have compassion on those who serve him...

Luke 18:7 (CEB)
Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he be slow to help them?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God helps his people. 

DAILY FODDER
Where do you most need God's help?

PRAYER
Merciful Lord, we don't deserve your compassion or help, but it is a part of your nature to reach out to underserving people. Forgive me for thinking that I bear the brunt of the injustices that are coming my way. Fortify my faith so I can be an unanxious disciple in the face of these circumstances and serve you with confidence. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

JESUS THE FOREMAN

PSALM 127:1 (ABP)
Unless GOD is the builder, all the work we put into the house is a waste.

LUKE 5:5-6 (CEV)
“Master,” Simon answered, “we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.” They did this and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Things happen when we're under the direction of Jesus; all other efforts are pointless.

DAILY FODDER
How do you know if you're following the voice of Jesus or some other voice in your head? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, that in you I find a home base. Forgive my fishing all night to build my own success. Turn my attention from consumption and collection to your provision. Help me to see the abundance, contentment, and direction you offer. Call me from my fishing and my empty nets to getting caught up with you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

IN HIS TIME

ISAIAH 49:23 (NRSV)
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.

LUKE 12:11-12 (MSG)
When they drag you into their meeting places, or into police courts and before judges, don’t worry about defending yourselves—what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there. The Holy Spirit will give you the right words when the time comes.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't worry; God provides at just the right time. 

DAILY FODDER
What are you inclined to worry over? How does the assurance of God's timing generate hope? 

PRAYER
I'm grateful, God, that you have arranged a time and place to deal with all of the world's woes. I know this but I still get anxious when so much evil comes flying our way all at once. Help me to stay calm during the blitz. I don't know how you are going to get things back on track. Give me a sign that you've got this so that hope overwhelms my anxiety. I can stay engaged because I know that the Spirit will give me appropriate words and that Christ makes everything right—in his time. Amen!

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

SPEAK UP

PSALM 40:10 (ABP)
I don't keep the good news of your justice to myself.
I talk about your faithfulness and how you've used your power to save us.
I even testify of your unfailing love and faithfulness in the Great Assembly.

1 THESSALONIANS 2:2 (CEB)
We had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition, although we had already suffered...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We freely speak of God's good news in high and low places.

DAILY FODDER
What are the current obstacles to freely speaking of God's good news? (Hint: They can be within us or in our external circumstances.) How do we keep the obstacles from slowing us down?  

PRAYER
Great God, the story of your good news deserves a hearing. Forgive us for allowing real or imagined opposition to muffle our witness. Empower us with wisdom and courage to speak so that the good news of your ongoing salvation is accessible to all. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.